Activism Quote by Edward Snowden
“Sometimes that irrational commitment to principle is what society needs to survive. Whenever you talk about radicalism, whenever you talk about activism, whenever you talk about progressive activity, that sort of moves the measure of liberty in human society forward, makes us all enjoy a better standard of liberty, it typically starts out criminal. It typically starts out a little bit shaky, and rather radical. And that's irrational to put yourself up to do that.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Documentary, 2019
He argues that radical, seemingly irrational commitment to principle can advance liberty, even if it begins as criminal or shaky.
In simple terms: Radical principle can expand liberty.
Key Takeaway
Embrace principled risk.
Themes
politics
activism
liberty
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- protest movements
- policy reform
- grassroots organizing
Key Concepts
radicalism
social change
Questions to Reflect On
- When does radicalism become dangerous?
- How to ensure ethical activism?
A Different Perspective
Radical actions may cause harm or backlash.
![“[Brazil] went to the UN and said, "We need new standards for this." We need to take a look at what they're calling "data sovereignty."” quote by Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/af7/edward-snowden-555_brazil_brazil-went-to-the-un-and-said-we-need-n_14906.jpg)
![“There was a real choice when [Barack Obama] became president. It was a very difficult choice - to say, "We're not going to hold senior officials to account with the same laws that every other citizen in the country is held to," or "This is a nation that believes in the rule of law."” quote by Edward Snowden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/104/edward-snowden-555_accounts_there-was-a-real-choice-when-barack-obam_27838.jpg)
